From Steve Allen to Conan O'Brien: Classic 'Tonight Show' moments

Caption'Tonight Starring Steve Allen': Man on the Street

Internet Fair Use

Think Jay Leno came up with those Jaywalking bits on his own? Original "Tonight" host Steve Allen popularized the man-on-the-street idea, except he brought in actual comedians who were in on the jokes. This routine carried over to "The Steve Allen Show," a competitor of "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Think Jay Leno came up with those Jaywalking bits on his own? Original "Tonight" host Steve Allen popularized the man-on-the-street idea, except he brought in actual comedians who were in on the jokes. This routine carried over to "The Steve Allen Show," a competitor of "The Ed Sullivan Show." (Internet Fair Use)

Ed Ames was supposedly an expert with the tomahawk, thanks to his role as Mingo on the "Daniel Boone" show. As if throwing sharp objects in an audience-filled studio wasn't dangerous enough, Ames attempted the stunt with a hatchet instead. Aiming for a chalk cowboy outline, Ames threw, hitting...

Ed Ames was supposedly an expert with the tomahawk, thanks to his role as Mingo on the "Daniel Boone" show. As if throwing sharp objects in an audience-filled studio wasn't dangerous enough, Ames attempted the stunt with a hatchet instead. Aiming for a chalk cowboy outline, Ames threw, hitting... (Carson Entertainment)

Animal handlers Joan Embry and Jim Fowler were return guests who brought exotic animals like baby bears, orangutans and marmosets to the "Tonight Show" set. Although the animals were drawn to the late-night comic, often crawling across his desk and shoulders and even atop his head, he seemed to...

Animal handlers Joan Embry and Jim Fowler were return guests who brought exotic animals like baby bears, orangutans and marmosets to the "Tonight Show" set. Although the animals were drawn to the late-night comic, often crawling across his desk and shoulders and even atop his head, he seemed to... (Carson Entertainment)

Johnny Carson never shied away from playing dress up, introducing numerous characters during his 30-year tenure. Aunt Blabby, Art Fern, El Mouldo and more became great go-to players, but it was Carnac the Magnificent who may be his most popular creation. With his colorful turban and cape,...

Johnny Carson never shied away from playing dress up, introducing numerous characters during his 30-year tenure. Aunt Blabby, Art Fern, El Mouldo and more became great go-to players, but it was Carnac the Magnificent who may be his most popular creation. With his colorful turban and cape,... (Associated Press)

Carson had no guests on his final show, but on the Thursday night program he had Robin Williams, who did his usual manic shtick, and Bette Midler, who tapped a rare emotional vein on the show when she performed "One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)," which brought a tear to Carson's eye....

Carson had no guests on his final show, but on the Thursday night program he had Robin Williams, who did his usual manic shtick, and Bette Midler, who tapped a rare emotional vein on the show when she performed "One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)," which brought a tear to Carson's eye.... (Douglas C. Pizac / Associated Press)